8361A

Smart Active Monitor
Operating ManualIntroduction
Thank you for choosing Genelec! Fulfilling your dreams byoffering the most truthful sound reproduction has been thesource of our enthusiasm since 1978. Already over one million
Genelec monitors are in use around the world - welcome to ourstory!
Genelec monitors are designed to last long our sparepart support extends far into future. They are hand-built in
Iisalmi, Finland, using certified sustainable methods. They are
individually tested and calibrated for the highest performance.
They have also all been designed for low power consumption in
use and in standby.
Please register your monitor at
http://www.community. genelec.com/
and receive an extended five-year warranty for spare parts.
For more information about our service and technical support,
please visit
http://www.genelec.com/customer-service.

System Characteristics

Each 8361A is supplied with a mains power cable, five-meter
GLM network cable and this operating manual, and a second IsoPod retainer spring for horizontal mounting. The Genelec 8361A
is suitable for all professional monitoring applications calling forvery high precision and reliability. The 8361A combines many
remarkable Genelec technologies to provide the benefits of apoint source and controlled directivity over an extraordinarily
wide audio bandwidth. The 8361A may be oriented horizontallyor vertically. Listening distances can vary from less than one
meter to more than 4 meters, depending on the room size andmaximum sound level requirements.

Genelec Loudspeaker Manager™ (GLM™)
Software and GLM User Kit
The GLM software tailor-fits the 8361A to your room. It is
downloadable free of charge at www.genelec.com/glm. Check
regularly for updates and new features, and consider using thecloud-based GLM services for the most up-to-date methods.
A GLM User Kit, comprising a USB adapter device andmeasurement microphone, enables precise acoustic calibrationand operation of the GLM loudspeaker management network.

Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC™)

The minimum diffraction coaxial transducer MDC design
implements a coaxial driver with unparalleled acoustic directivity
control. A powerful midrange transducer surrounds a highoutput tweeter transducer, enabling a high resolution response
extending to ultrasonic frequencies. The MDC minimizes
acoustic diffraction, produces a flat frequency response on the
acoustical axis, and a neutral off-axis sound character.

Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW™) and
Acoustically Concealed Woofers (ACW™)
The 8361A has an exceptionally large Directivity Control
Waveguide extending over the whole enclosure front. The
midrange transducer cone forms a part of this DCW. Twowoofers radiate low frequencies through openings at theenclosure edges and sum acoustically placing bass on thesame acoustical axis with the coaxial transducer. This unique2

design enables directivity control of all audio down to low bass
frequencies.

Smart Active Monitoring (SAM™)

Smart Active Monitors automatically tune several parametricfilters in themselves to precisely compensate for room
colorations using Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM)
software. This enables SAM monitors to sound neutral andachieve precise stereo imaging in all acoustical environments,
improving accuracy of monitoring.

Audio Inputs

The 8361A inputs support balanced analog line-level audio and
AES/EBU digital audio. At maximum sensitivity, -6 dBu analog
and -30 dBFS digital audio signals produce 100 dB SPL level at
one meter distance in free space.
The analog input is selected when a digital signal is notpresent. The digital input is selected automatically when adigital signal is present even when the signal is silent. The GLM
software can select either input.
When the digital audio source can adjust level, it is advantageous
to lower the output level of the 8361A using the rear panel controls
or the GLM Master Fader. This enables a higher output level at
the source with more resolution while taking full advantage of theimpressively low self-generated noise of the 8361A.
An AES/EBU digital audio signal carries two channels in one
cable. A channel is selected using the DIP switches or GLM
software. The DIGITAL OUT carries an unaltered copy of the
input, enabling daisy-chaining of up to four monitors.

Power Management

The mains power input supports any mains voltage (100-240
VAC, 50-60 Hz) and the 8361A always delivers full power evenwhen the mains voltage fluctuates. When powered with agenerator, inverter or UPS device, we recommend filtering themains power to remove harmonics.
The energy saving function Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS™)
puts the monitor to power reduced sleep mode when no signal
is present. Upon sensing an input, the monitor wakes up. The
function is activated using GLM software Standalone Stored
settings mode or the ISS dip switch on the monitor in Standalone
Manual controls mode. With GLM the time before entering thesleep mode can be adjusted, the ISS dip switch activates a fixed
60 minute time.

Setup Using The GLM™ Control

Genelec recommends setting up the 8361A and other SAM
monitors using GLM. This is described in the GLM System
Operating Manual. Although it can be used without GLM and the
network, the 8361A reaches its full potential with this method.
GLM software runs on Mac or Windows computers. GLM also
works as a monitor controller, for switching between sets ofloudspeakers, soloing, muting, invoking calibrated levels, etc.
Setup with the GLM User Kit consists of the following steps:
1. Connect a CAT5 (RJ45) cable to each monitor (andsubwoofer) and finally to the GLM Adapter device (see Figure
1).
2. Connect the GLM Adapter device to computer USB connector.

MICROPHONE
PLACED IN
THE LISTENING
POSITIONCOMPUTERRUNNINGGLM SOFTWARE

292 0063

GLM ADAPTERGLMTERMINATOR

USB CABLESUBWOOFER

GLM NETWORKCABLEMONITORS

Figure 1. GLM control network cabling

ROTARY LEVELCONTROLDIP SWITCHES FOR
STAND ALONE USE

ON
OFF

2

4

4k

20k

LED DISABLEISSA
DIGITAL
B
10 dB
20 dB
STORED800

TREBLETILT

GLM
NETWORKDIGITAL IN
AES/EBU

LEVEL

BASS
TILT
DESKTOPBASSROLL OFF160

2
4
DESKTOP 160 Hz 4
2
BASS TILT
4+2
TREBLE TILT
420

ALL OFFPOWER
SWITCH

6
dBu+2

BASS ROLL OFF

+2
0
2
4
6
dB

(dB)

0
COAXIAL TRI AMPLIFIED
SMART ACTIVE MONITOR+4+6INPUT dBu
PRODUCING
100 dB SPL (1 m)

RESET TO FACTORYSETTINGS: PUSH
BUTTON FOR 10 SEC

Frequency (Hz)

MAINS
INPUT

MAINS INPUT
50 / 60 Hz 600 W
100 240 V~

SERIAL NUMBER

This device complies
with FCC Part 15 andCanadian ICES 003
radio frequency
Class B emission
requirements. Refer
to operating manual
for full information.

DIGITAL THRU
AES/EBU

8361A
MADE IN FINLAND
www.genelec.com

ANALOGIN

AUDIO SIGNALCONNECTORS:

Figure 3. Connector panel detail.

DIGITAL IN
DIGITAL THRUANALOG IN

GLM NETWORKCONNECTORS
Figure 2. Connectors and controls on the back panel of a 8361A.

3. Using a microphone stand, place the Genelec measurement
microphone (in GLM Kit) at the listening location. Point
microphone upwards. Place the microphone top at the earheight for typical listener.
4. Connect the microphone to the microphone input in the
GLM Adapter device.
5. Download and install the GLM software at the Genelec website (www.genelec.com). Follow instructions in the software
to measure and set up your monitors.
6. If you plan not to use a computer for managing monitors,
store settings in monitors with GLM software (menu item
“Store | Store the Current Group Settings…”).

Enable stored settings by turning the DIP switch “Stored” onthe monitor to ON after the network has been disconnected.
The CONTROL NETWORK RJ-45 connectors are not
Ethernet LAN compatible. Do not connect to Ethernet LAN.

Stand-alone Mode: Setup Without Using
The GLMYou can adjust the 8361A without GLM using the controls on theback of the monitor. These stand-alone settings are limited andprovide some fundamental compensations for room acoustic
effects, input selections and input sensitivity. To use, disconnect
the GLM management network and set the DIP switch “Stored”
to OFF position.
3

h2
h1
ACOUSTIC
AXIS

ACOUSTIC
AXIS

h1 = 308 mm (12 1/8 in)
h2 = 201 mm (7 29/32 in)Figure 4. The location of the acoustic axis.

Stand-Alone Functionality
Bass Roll-Off Control
The Bass Roll-Off setting reduces bass level for spaces withstrong low frequency reverberation. It reduces output near the
low cut-off. Attenuation can be selected by combining settings
on one or more switches.

Desktop reflection compensation

The desktop control reduces frequencies near 160 Hz by 4 dB.
This compensates the boost when the monitor is placed on ameter bridge or table.

Bass Tilt Control

The Bass Tilt control offers three attenuation levels for the
response below 800 Hz. This control is used when monitors areplaced near wall or room corner. Attenuation can be selected by
combining settings on one or more switches.

Figure 5. Symmetrical layout and keeping the acoustic axis clear
from obstructions minimizes reflection surfaces and maintains
accurate localisation because reflections are symmetrical.

Monitor
Mounting Position

Treble
Tilt

Bass
Tilt

Bass
Roll-Off

Desktop

Flat anechoic
response

None

None

None

None

Free standing ina damped room

None

-2 dB

None

None

Free standing ina reverberant room

None

-4 dB

None

None

Near field ona reflective surface

None

-2 dB

None

-4 dB

In a corner

None

-4 dB

-4 dB

None

Table 1. Suggested Tone Control settings for some typical monitor
placement positions.

Treble Tilt Control

The Treble Tilt control adjusts the high frequencies above 5 kHz.
It corrects bright or dull sound and compensates high frequency
loss when a monitor is placed behind a screen.

LED Disable

This switch turns off the front panel LED light.

ISS

This switch activates and deactivates the ISS power saving
function when the 8361 is used in a Stand Alone mode. The
default time for going to power save mode is 60 minutes, but
this can be adjusted in the GLM software.

DigitalThe Digital switch selects the digital audio signals A and B carriedin one AES/EBU cable. Turning on both switches reproduces thesum of the signals. When both are selected, a 6 dB attenuation
is applied to avoid an overload.

Level

The Level switches reduce the monitor output in 10 dB steps(-10 dB, -20 dB and both switches -30 dB). The switches
4

combine with the rotary level adjustment. The total adjustment
range is 42 dB. GLM software enables wider level adjustment.

StoredThe Stored switch selects between the controls on the monitor
back panel (OFF position) or applying the settings stored in themonitor using the GLM software (ON position).

Operating Environment

This product is designed for indoor use only. The permissible
ambient temperature is 15-35 degrees Celsius (50-95°F) andrelative humidity 20% to 80% (non-condensing). To prevent
condensation after the product has been in a cool environment,
wait at least one hour before opening the packaging andconnecting the mains power.
Cooling of the 8361A must be ensured. The minimum
clearance behind, above and on both sides of the monitor is 50
mm (2 in). When 8361A is installed in a recess, the recess spacemust be ventilated sufficiently to remove the heat.

Colour

Indication

WARNINGAVERTISSEMENT

2

0

+2

4

+4

6

dBu

+6

29

ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT OPEN. DO NOT SUBJECT TO WATER OR
MOISTURE. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TOQUALIFIED PERSONNEL. USE EARTHED MAINS CONNECTION ONLY.

RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR. NE PAS EXPOSER À L'EAU OU
L'HUMIDITÉ. AUCUN COMPOSANT À L'INTÉRIEUR REMPLAÇABLE PARL'UTILISATEUR. ADRESSER TOUTE RÉPARATION À UN PERSONNEL QUALIFIÉ.
CET APPAREIL DOIT ÊTRE RACCORDÉ À LA TERRE.

LED DISABLEISSA
DIGITAL
B
10 dB
20 dB
STOREDLEVELINPUT dBu
PRODUCING
100 dB SPL (1 m)

Do not open the monitor enclosure. Opening the monitor
may lead to loss of the monitor calibration and may damage

ON
OFF

Maintenance

COAXIAL TRI AMPLIFIED
SMART ACTIVE MONITOR

Use with Subwoofers

Genelec recommends 7300 series subwoofers and the W371
Adaptive Woofer System for 8361A. Consult the on-line Genelec
Product Selection Tool at www.genelec.com.

ANALOGIN

The light on the front panel is normally green. Red and yellow
colours indicate special situations. See Table 2.

(dB)

2
4
DESKTOP 160 Hz 4
2
BASS TILT
4+2
TREBLE TILT
4

BASS ROLL OFFRESET TO FACTORYSETTINGS: PUSH
BUTTON FOR 10 SEC

Front Panel Light

DIGITAL THRU
AES/EBU

The Isolation Positioner/Decoupler™ (Iso-Pod™) stand allows
tilting of the monitor and isolates vibrations. As delivered from thefactory, the Iso-Pod retainer spring is attached to the bottom of theenclosure for vertical orientation. With horizontal positioning, use
the separate Iso-Pod horizontal mount retainer spring (includedin packaging). Use the screws in the mount retainer spring when
attaching the horizontal mount retainer spring. The spring must be
mounted offset towards the reflex port to bring the Iso-Pod to theenclosure centerline (See Figure 6).
Aim the acoustic axis of the monitor towards the listening
position (see Figure 4). Place monitors symmetrically and at equal
distances from the listening position. Preference should be madein placing the listening position on the left-right centerline of theroom (see Figure 5). If a monitor is placed far (1.0-2.2 m, 3-7 ft)
from the acoustically hard wall behind the monitor, a reflection
from the wall may reduce bass output. Avoid these distances.
Place monitors away from acoustically reflective surfaces.
Reflections from desks, cabinets, computer monitors and suchobjects can colour audio and blur sound images. Place monitors
on stands behind and above a mixing console as this usually
improves audio compared to placing monitors on a meter bridge.
Ceiling and wall mounts are available through Genelec
dealers. Monitor mounts attach to four M6 x 10 mm threadedholes on the enclosure back. Consult the Genelec Accessories
Catalogue at www.genelec.com or distributor/dealer for
information.

ALL OFF

20k

Mounting Options

TREBLE
TILT

Mounting and Placing Monitors

4k

Table 2. Monitor front panel light indications summary

BASS
TILT

Overheat protection is active (audio is
modified because of protection)

800

Blinking yellow

MADE IN FINLAND
www.genelec.com

Monitor is not in the active (playing)
group

8361A

Solid yellow

DIGITAL IN
AES/EBU

Monitor is muted

This device complies
with FCC Part 15 andCanadian ICES 003
radio frequency
Class B emission
requirements. Refer
to operating manual
for full information.

Solid red292 8361T 6

DESKTOPPower amplifier overload protection is
active (audio is modified because ofprotection)

Frequency (Hz)Blinking red

BASS
ROLL OFF
160

Monitor is in an ISS power saving sleep
state

20

Blinking green every 10 sec.

+2
0
2
4
6
dB

GLM is interrogating the monitor

GLM
NETWORK

Blinking green

SERIAL NUMBER

Normal state, normal operation

MAINS INPUT
50 / 60 Hz 600 W
100 240 V~

Solid green

60W

Figure 6. Placing the Iso-Pod stand when the monitor is used inhorizontal position. Note the horizontal mount retainer spring andits offset mounting towards the reflex port.

components. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Maintenance or repair can only be done by Genelec certified
service.

Safety Considerations

The 8361A follows international safety standards. To ensure
safe operation, the following warnings and precautions must be
observed:• Servicing and adjustment must only be performed bycertified Genelec service personnel. The monitor enclosuremust not be opened.
• Use the product only with a mains cable having aprotective ground terminal and with a mains connection
with a protective earth terminal. Failing to do so may lead topersonal injury.
• To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose the unit
to water or moisture.
• Do not place objects filled with liquid, such as vases, on
the monitor or near it.
• Note that the device is not disconnected from the ACmains service unless the power cable is removed from themonitor or the mains outlet.
• Free flow of air behind and around the monitor maintains
sufficient cooling. Do not obstruct airflow around themonitor.

WARNING!
The 8361A is capable of producing sound pressure levels inexcess of 85 dB, which may cause hearing damage. Sound
exposure level integrated over eight contiguous hours should be
limited to Leq=80dB(A) to reduce the risk of permanent hearing
damage. For each 3 dB increase in this sound level, half thisexposure time.

Guarantee

The Genelec 8361A is guaranteed for two years against
manufacturing faults or defects altering performance. You can
get an additional three-year guarantee covering spare part costsby registering your product at www.genelec.com. Refer to yourpoint of purchase for full sales and guarantee terms.

5Compliance to FCC Rules
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with thelimits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. Thisequipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. There is no guarantee that interference will notoccur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which canbe determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment andreceiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer canvoid the user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC
rules.

8361A Extended Phase Linearity ON

8361A Extended Phase Linearity OFF

40

40

35

35
Latency at zero 4.2 ms
30

25

25

Group delay (ms)Group delay (ms)

Latency at zero 8.6 ms
30

20
15
10

20
15
10

5

5

0

0

−5

−5
100

1k
Frequency (Hz)

10k

100

Figure 7. 8361A group delay with Extended Phase Linearity ON,
latency 8.6 ms*

10k

Figure 8. 8361A group delay with Extended Phase Linearity OFF,latency 4.2 ms*

Genelec Oy 8361A

dB vs freq (Hz) 30 Sept 2019

dB vs freq (Hz) 05 Aug 2019

95

dB SPLdB SPL

Genelec Oy 8361A

1k
Frequency (Hz)

90
85

90

0° 15°
85

30°
90 80

80

DESKTOP LF

45°
85

75

80 90

70

60°

BASS TILT
95

80

TREBLE TILTBASS ROLL OFF

dB SWL

85

90
85
80

20

50

100

200

500

1k

2k

5k

10k

20k

20

50

100

200

500

1k

2k

5k

Figure 9. The effect of the “Bass Tilt”, “Treble Tilt”, “Desktop Low
Frequency” and “Bass Roll-Off” controls on the free field responseof the 8361A.

20k

10k
Hz

Frequency Hz

Figure 10. Frequency responses at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 degree
horizontal angles (monitor in vertical orientation) and power
response in full space. Input level -20 dBu.

*In Genelec performance graphics, the time of converting the from an electronic input signal to the acoustic output in a Genelec monitor is described by two
factors – latency and group delay. The group delay factor can be read in the graphics for a specific frequency. The total frequency-specific input-to-output
delay is a sum of the latency and group delay factors.

6

Figure 11. The horizontal directivity characteristics of the 8361A(monitor in vertical orientation).

Figure 12. The vertical directivity characteristics of the 8361A(monitor in vertical orientation).

Figure 13. The signal path block diagram of the 8361A.

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Lower cut-off frequency, –6 dB< 30 Hz

Upper cut-off frequency, –6 dB> 43 kHzAccuracy of frequency response, ± 1.5 dB

36 Hz – 20 kHz

Maximum short term sine wave acoustic output on axis in half space, averaged from100 Hz to 3 kHz at 1 m≥ 118 dB SPL

Maximum long term RMS acoustic output in the same conditions with IEC weighted
noise (limited by driver protection circuit) at 1 m

109 dB SPL

Maximum peak acoustic output per pair in a listening room with music material at 1 m

128 dB SPL

Self generated noise level in free space at 1 m on axis (A-weighted)≤ 5 dB

Harmonic distortion at 95 dB SPL at 1 m on axis
Freq:
50…100 Hz> 100 Hz<3%
< 0.5 %

Drivers
Bass
Midrange
TrebleDual 263 x 137 mm (103/8 x 53/8 in) obround cones
130 mm (5 in) cone (coaxial)
25 mm (1 in) metal dome (coaxial)

Weight31.9 kg (70.3 lb)

Dimensions
Height including IsoPod standHeight without IsoPod
Width
Depth

593 mm (233/8 in)
570 mm (227/16 in)
357 mm (14 in)
347 mm (135/8 in)

7

AMPLIFIER SECTION
Bass amplifier short term output power
Midrange amplifier short term output power
Treble amplifier short term output power(Long term output power is limited by driver protection circuitry)

700 W
150 W
150 W

Amplifier system THD at nominal output<0.05%

Mains voltage

100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz

Power consumption
ISS active
Idle
Full output (short term)< 1.5 W
20 W
600 W

SIGNAL PROCESSING
8361A
Analog signal input connector XLR female, balanced 10 kOhm

pin 1 gnd
pin 2 non-inverting
pin 3 inverting

Maximum analog input signal
Analog input sensitivity (100 dB SPL at 1 m)
Analog input sensitivity control+25.0 dBu
-6 dBuAdjustable from +36 to -6 dBu

Digital signal input connector XLR female 110 Ohm
Digital signal output / Thru connector XLR male 110 Ohm

AES/EBU Single Wire
AES/EBU Single Wire

Digital audio input
Word length
Sample rate
Digital input sensitivity (100 dB SPL at 1 m)
Digital input maximum attenuation using DIP switches
Digital input maximum attenuation using GLM software

16 - 24 bits
32 - 192 kHz-30 dBFS
42 dB
120 dB

Input to output delay at high frequencies, linear phase, analog input
Input to output delay, analog input with ultra wide linear range(When using the AES/EBU digital audio input, the system latency may differ slightly fromthe published value due to effects of the active sampling rate)

4.2 ms
8.6 msControl network
Type
Connection

Proprietary GLM™ network
2 RJ45, CAT5 cables

Crossover frequencies
Bass/Mid
Mid/Treble

320 Hz2800 Hz

GLMTM software frequency response adjustment*
Parametric notch filters
Shelving filters

16
2 LF and 2 HF

System room response calibration

Genelec GLM AutoCal™, GLMTM manual, Stand-alone** The notch and shelving filters adjustments, AutoCalTM and GLMTM manual system calibration features are part of the Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLMTM) software

www.genelec.com

Genelec Document D0158R001c. Copyright Genelec Oy 10.2021. All data subject to change without prior notice.
International enquiries:

In the U.S. please contact:

In Sweden please contact:

In China please contact:

Genelec, Olvitie 5

Genelec, Inc., 7 Tech Circle

Genelec Sverige

Beijing Genelec Audio Co.Ltd

FIN-74100, Iisalmi, Finland

Natick, MA 01760, USA

Ellipsvägen 10B

Phone +358 17 83881

Phone +1 508 652 0900

P.O. Box 2306

Fax +358 17 812 267

Fax +1 508 652 0909

S-127 02 Skärholmen

Email genelec@genelec.com

Email genelec.usa@genelec.com

Phone +46 8 449 5220
Fax +46 8 708 7071
Email info@genelec.com

B33 - 101
Universal Business ParkNo. 10 Jiuxianqiao Road
Chaoyang District
100015 Beijing, China
Phone +86 (10) 5823 2014, 400 700 1978
Email genelec.china@genelec.com